Hyperhidrosis, Sweaty Palms & Excessive Sweating

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Newport Beach and Orange County, California

Sweaty palms, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, affects about one in 25 people. Excessive sweating can cause embarrassment, low self-esteem, and general discomfort in social situations. Hyperhidrosis occurs when sympathetic nerves cause sweat glands to produce too much sweat. The underlying cause is not known, but anxiety and other heightened emotional states can trigger the condition.

The most common types of hyperhidrosis are palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty palms) and axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). Dr. Rivkin prefers to use the least invasive procedure that will meet your needs, and highly recommends BOTOX® as a safe and very effective remedy for excessive sweating.

There are many treatment options available including:

• Topical treatments

  Powders (talcum or corn starch) can be applied to hands or underarms for short-term relief from excessive sweating, and can be sufficient for mild cases.

  Aluminum based lotions (DrySol) are more effective than powders. These lotions are worn overnight and washed off in the morning. They could be sufficient for milder cases. Some people, however, can get skin irritation and may stain clothing.

• Iontopheresis

  Iontopheresis involves sending a mild electrical current through your palm while your palm is submerged in water. Treatments are taken on a nightly basis until the excessive sweating stops. This can require many sessions.

• Oral anticholingergics

  Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that triggers sweat glands to produce sweat. Anticholingergics counteract this substance and therefore reduce sweating. Unfortunately, they can have unpleasant side effects including dry mouth and constipation.

• BOTOX®

  BOTOX® is the most popular treatment for excessive sweating of the palms and underarms. BOTOX® weakens the nerves that supply the sweat glands, preventing the release of acetylcholine, and therefore greatly reducing or eliminating sweating in the treated area. The amounts of BOTOX® used are not enough to significantly affect the muscle motion of the hand, although some very slight weakness is possible. BOTOX® treatment of hyperhidrosis lasts about one year. Other areas treated for excessive sweating include the face and the soles of the feet. Dr. Rivkin believes that BOTOX® treatment of hyperhidrosis is simply the safest, most effective therapy we currently have for this disorder.

• Surgery

  Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) is the surgical procedure for excessive sweating. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and occurs in the chest cavity. A small incision is made and the nerves which control the problem sweating are clamped or cut. Recovery time is typically a few days. Dr. Rivkin always recommends that you try the least invasive methods before moving on to more invasive procedures, such as surgery. However, for patients who do not respond to other treatment, ETS is an effective option.

You can also read frequently asked questions about Botox treatment here.

Dr. Rivkin's patients know that they can get in touch with him at any time. He's always in the office at Westside Medical Spa, and is personally involved in every treatment.

During your free initial consultation, Dr. Rivkin will evaluate your individual needs, explain your options, and recommend a course of treatment. To learn more about Dr. Rivkin's techniques for treating hyperhydrosis and sweaty palms, contact us today.